what is the definition of a schooner?

The schooner is a type of two- or three-masted sailing vessel with a fore-and-aft rig. Schooners are known for their speed and manoeuvrability, as well as their ability to carry a large cargo capacity.

Schooners have been used for centuries by mariners around the world and their design has evolved over the years to meet the needs of different regions. Historically, schooners were commonly used for coastwise trading, fishing, and privateering. Today, they are also used for pleasure cruising and sailing races.

The classic schooner is distinguished by its long bowsprit extending out over the bow and its fore-and-aft sails with top masts crossed in a double harness. It usually has two or three masts, but can have up to five masts on longer vessels. On some vessels, such as gaff or spanker rigs, the mizzen mast is rigged aft while on others it is rigged forward of the main mast. The larger schooners usually have four or more sails in addition to these main sails such as fore staysails, jibs and spinnakers.

Schooners vary greatly in size from small racing boats of 18 feet to large cargo vessels of 150 feet or more. The length and width can also vary significantly depending on their purpose; for example tall ships that are equipped for long ocean voyages tend to be quite large while fishing boats generally tend to be shorter but with greater breadth. Most traditional schooners are made from wood though modern materials such as aluminum, carbon fibre and composites may also be used today particularly on racing vessels where weight savings are important.